Thu, Sep 7: Fly to Las Vegas, Nevada and transfer to Valley of Fire State Park, world-renowned for its 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops, ancient trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years. View the exhibits on the geology, ecology, and history of the park at the visitor’s center before a ranger guided drive for more learning and excellent photo opportunities. Continue to St. George, Utah, a warm-weather retreat just below the rim of the Great Basin. The basin and the Colorado Plateau create stunning landscapes filled with red rocks, and the wildlife of the of the Mojave Desert. Check in for an overnight stay at the Inn on The Cliff, a boutique hotel overlooking the quaint community and beautiful southern Utah. Enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner at the adjacent Cliffside Restaurant with your fellow travelers. (Meal: Dinner)

Fri, Sep 8: After breakfast at the hotel, continue to Zion National Park in southwest Utah. The intensity of the colors: the vivid ruby of the rocks, the clear sapphire of the sky, and the emerald of the grass make Zion a treasure of the West. Reconnect with nature and the wilderness as you tour the park via a narrated open-air tram ride. With soaring canyon walls on both sides and the Virgin River running parallel to the tram you’ll see some of the most treasured spots in the park! It’s the perfect introduction to the park. Afterward, have lunch and free time before checking into your woodsy retreat for two nights—Zion Lodge, located inside the park. Relax and enjoy dinner at the lodge. (B,D)

Sat, Sep 9: Spend a full day at leisure discovering the spectacular network of colorful canyons, forested mesas, and striking deserts of Zion National Park. The parks shuttle system provides easy access to all the sites including the Zion Human History Museum, Zion Scenic Drive, Weeping Rock, and Canyon Junction, just to name a few. Tonight, the group reconvenes after dinner for a private stargazing tour! Both Zion and Bryce parks have designations as International Dark Sky Parks. Depart for a secluded observation site then relax in your zero-gravity lounge chair as your guide provides a night sky orientation. Once the group has become acquainted with the sky, and twilight has officially set in, the lead astronomer will begin to discuss topics such as the solar system, constellations, nebulae, galaxies and more. They will share the history of astronomy and other stories from ancient civilizations. Marvel at the deep space grandeur, view objects through telescopes, and chat with the astronomer while you sip hot beverages. (B,D)

Sun, Sep 10: Pack up and take in the scenic drive from Zion to Bryce, passing though the Mount Carmel Tunnel and stopping at Red Canyon along the way. Upon arrival, have a hearty buffet lunch before beginning a narrated tour of Bryce Canyon National Park. Along the way, take in views of Thor’s Hammer and see Bryce Point, offering stunning views of the Silent City, an assemblage of rock spires resembling figures frozen in the rock. In addition, a great view of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Visit Sunrise and Sunset Points, and by far the most iconic section of the park, the Bryce Amphitheater—a bowl-shaped area shaped by the drainage of seasonal rains and melting snow and home to the greatest concentration of irregular rock spires (aka “hoodoos”) found anywhere on earth. (B,L)

Mon, Sep 11: Today is yours to spend as you wish enjoying Bryce Canyon National Park. Hop around the park on the shuttle, attend a ranger program, or take a hike—Hat Top Trail, Peek-A-Boo Loop and others await your exploration. Horseback rides, or ATV excursions may also be purchased as an option. Gather this evening for a one-of-a-kind Farewell Dinner with fellow travelers . A scrumptious buffet with steak and salmon precedes stellar entertainment from the Bryce Canyon Wranglers. Their voices will carry you through their “Timeless” concert, a tribute of eternal hits and classic songs from iconic artists. Hear songs from artists like Alabama, Randy Travis, Taylor Swift and more, reminding you of the musical threads that bind us together. If it is a clear night, gaze at the stars twinkling in the dark sky before turning in. (B,D)

Tue, Sep 12: Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Las Vegas to fly home. (B)